Last week, the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis agreed to an enormous three-year, $186 million contract extension.
Before that deal, some people were wondering if the Lakers would be so committed to the big man considering the number of injuries he has had.
General Manager Rob Pelinka spoke to Spectrum SportsNet and said that Davis’ extension was “really centered around his character.”
Throughout his comments, Pelinka claimed that the front office envisions Davis as “a leader of the Lakers for years to come.”
He said that retaining a strong continuity within the team is yet another major reason why Davis got his big extension.
All in all, Pelinka made it clear that Davis is going to be a centerpiece of the team for the foreseeable future.
“To become a leader of the Lakers for years to come.” Rob Pelinka speaks on the importance of Anthony Davis as the core of the Lakers’ future. pic.twitter.com/FuU5dd0OoG
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) August 9, 2023
Pelinka spoke of the team’s culture when he talked about Davis’ role on the team.
He said that Davis is one of the best two-way players in the league, which is obviously important.
But the way that his personality and character contribute to the team is also vital, Pelinka suggests.
In this way, it sounds like Davis will be in a position much like LeBron James.
James is the focal point of the team and responsible for so much of its culture and chemistry.
His leadership skills are rarely questioned and the way he brings a team together is undeniable.
Some people have complained in the past that Davis doesn’t have those same skills and he isn’t the type of person to fire up his team and lead them.
But Pelinka seems to believe that Davis is more than just a scorer and defender.
He is also a crucial part of the Lakers’ personality, cohesion, and will to win.
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